A Discovery

silverfoxsteam · A Discovery

There I was in Porthmadog last Saturday, on the footplate of the WHHR's Bagnall, 'Gelert', along with a Fireman I hadn't worked with before.

Chatting, as you do, especially when the loco's behaving, the sun's shining, God's in his heaven etc.., the conversation came round to toy steam engines, the recent show and plans for another next year. Richard (fireman) came out with the fact that he had one of these engines. It belonged to his grandfather who reportedly had it as a youngster before WW1! That whetted my appetite for more information as you can imagine.

To cut a long(er) story short, as he lived locally, Richard kindly brought it for me to see the following day. Luckily I had my camera handy and you can now share my delight at what was presented before me.

Enjoy!

Interesting eh? The style is unmistakenly German of course, all the major makers produced engines of this 'locomotive' type, but this one's clearly marked GCCoN - Georges Carrette and Company, Nuremburg.

Take a close look at the burner. Richard explained to me that there is a small wicktube that is used to warm the main burner and increase the vapour - fascinating stuff!

I must point out that this engine is not in my collection and is unlikely to ever be so! Richard is very proud of it, it's a family heirloom. But I think I can persuade him to fetch it along to the show next July.

Isn't it marvellous how little delights just pop up out of the blue - makes life worth living doesn't it?

avenger

Interesting pic's !

Spokesmann

Thats nice Stephen, I'd thought the story would have ended with... "Now its in my collection...." Never mind, right up your street I believe too!

Mamod Collector

Thats stunning Steve, a real beauty is there any chance he would let you fire it
And make a video I would love to see that one running Very Happy

silverfoxsteam

John Chapman

What a super engine Very Happy

Spokesmann

silverfoxsteam

Spokesmann

Good luck Stephen!